Leaving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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leaving

[หˆliหvษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

farewell

The act of departing from a place or person.

Synonyms

departure, exit, parting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leaving

Used when someone moves away from a place. It can apply to various situations, such as saying goodbye or moving out.

  • She's leaving the office at 5 PM.
  • They are leaving for vacation tomorrow.
departure

More formal term for leaving. Often used in travel contexts, such as timetables or airport announcements.

  • The departure time for the flight is at 8 AM.
  • His departure from the company was unexpected.
exit

Commonly refers to physically going out of a place. Also used metaphorically for ending participation in an event or situation.

  • Please take the nearest exit in case of an emergency.
  • Her exit from the meeting left everyone surprised.
parting

Used in emotional or dramatic contexts, often implying a temporary or long-term goodbye.

  • Their parting was filled with tears.
  • The parting gift was a reminder of their friendship.

Examples of usage

  • She made her leaving without saying goodbye.
  • Leaving is always hard, especially when you have to say goodbye to loved ones.
Context #2 | Verb

abandoning

To go away from or leave a place, person, or thing.

Synonyms

depart, exit, move on.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leaving

Used in casual situations when someone is going away from a place, position, or state. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • I'm leaving the office early today.
  • He's leaving the team at the end of the season.
depart

Often used in formal contexts, such as travel (especially related to transportation schedules) or official circumstances. It can also imply an emotional or significant separation.

  • The train will depart from platform four at noon.
  • She departed from her customary routine to try something new.
exit

Typically used when referring to leaving through a door or a designated exit point in a building, vehicle, or electronic interface. It often emphasizes the act of leaving a specific location.

  • Please exit through the rear door.
  • He exited the application without saving his work.
move on

Used in both casual and informal contexts, often metaphorically. It generally implies progressing to the next stage or letting go of a past situation or emotion.

  • After the breakup, it took her a while to move on.
  • Let's move on to the next topic.

Examples of usage

  • He was leaving for a new job opportunity.
  • Leaving his hometown was a difficult decision for him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Psychology

  • Research indicates that leaving a social group can significantly impact a person's mental health, often leading to feelings of loneliness.
  • The reasons for leaving a group or relationship can vary greatly, including personal growth, conflict, or changing priorities.
  • Studies suggest that group dynamics often shift dramatically when a core member decides to leave, affecting the remaining members.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore themes of leaving as a journey, symbolizing personal transformation or the search for identity.
  • In classics like 'The Grapes of Wrath', characters leave their homes searching for a better life, showcasing resilience against adversity.
  • Poets, such as Robert Frost, frequently depict leaving as a metaphor for lifeโ€™s choices, encouraging readers to reflect on their own paths.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, leaving home is a significant rite of passage, often marking the transition into adulthood.
  • Different cultural traditions celebrate departures, such as graduation ceremonies in school where students often leave their childhood behind.
  • In some societies, leaving oneโ€™s homeland for economic reasons has led to the establishment of diasporas, profoundly influencing cultural identity.

Pop Culture

  • Songs about leaving, such as 'Leaving on a Jet Plane', capture the emotions tied to farewells and transitions.
  • The concept of leaving has been central to many film plots, often serving as a catalyst for character development and conflict.
  • Famous quotes about leaving, like 'Not all those who wander are lost', resonate by highlighting the positive aspects of exploration and change.

Origin of 'leaving'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'leofan', which means 'to allow' or 'to leave'.
  • It has Germanic roots, similar to the German word 'lassen' meaning 'to let go' or 'to leave'.
  • The term has evolved over time, with its meaning expanding to include both physical departure and emotional release.

The word 'leaving' originated from the Old English word 'lรฆfan' which means 'to let remain, remain, bequeath'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Middle English, retaining its core meaning of departure or abandonment.


See also: leave, leaven.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,334, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.